The UFC 227 co-main event just witnessed Henry Cejudo winning a split decision over Demetrious Johnson to become the new UFC flyweight champion of the world, ending Johnson’s six-year, 11-fight reign atop the division. Cejudo adds a UFC title to his 2008 Olympic gold medal on his list of combat sports accomplishments, while “Mighty Mouse” has been dethroned in controversial fashion.
Cejudo seemed to have hurt his ankle early in the opening moments of the fight, but it seemed to get better as the fight went on. Johnson played the outside, leaping in with strikes and then leaping right back out. Cejudo had a moment in the final minute of the opening round, landing a flurry on the champ and backing him up.
Johnson shot in on Cejudo to start the second stanza, but Cejudo shrugged it off and moved into open space. The flyweights went tit for tat for a bit, with Cejudo controlling the center of the Octagon. With just over a minute left, Cejudo put Mighty Mouse on his back, and finished up the round dropping knees to the shoulder.
Johnson brought the forward pressure to start the third frame, chasing Cejudo around the Octagon. Cejudo changed levels, which initiated a scramble, but they ultimately returned to the center of the cage. Cejudo landed some solid counter punches before securing a takedown, but the champ quickly spun out and to his feet… like a boss.
Cejudo countered a kick with a right hand that knocked an off balance Johnson to the ground in the fourth round. The kicks of Johnson appeared to be taking a bit of a toll on the leg of Cejudo, but it didn’t stop Cejudo from blasting a takedown and landing a few strikes before time ran out.
Not a ton of action happened across the first two minutes of the fight, but things started to pick up. Johnson landed some clean striking in the pocket, promoting Cejudo to look for a takedown. Cejudo did realize a takedown, but the champ sprung right back up to his feet. The gladiators brawled it out for the final ten seconds in glorious fashion!
Henry Cejudo def. Demetrious Johnson by split decision (48-47 x2, 47-48): Flyweight Title
Check out some highlights from the UFC 227 co-main event: